Buddhafield Recovery Space

Are you, or a loved one, struggling with any kind of habitual or addictive behaviour resulting in destructive repetition?

Falling for unattainable people?
Food issues?
Gambling, drugs & alcohol or co-dependence?
Over-working or over-busyness?
Hoarding?
Rescuing people?
Compulsive sexual behaviour?
Internet use?

Were you raised in a dysfunctional family and find that you now people-please, have avoidance behaviours, a fear of authority figures, or a need to control?

Our 12-Step and 8-Step meetings are open to anyone and usually have a mixture of people from the various fellowships and curious newcomers. We also have special meetings for young people.

For 7th Tradition contributions

7th Tradition

To send us feedback

Feedback form

Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

To request to join our team

Team request form

Buddhafield Festival Recovery meetings

During the 2024 Buddhafield Festival we are running meetings, at least five times a day, in our own Recovery Space (which is next to the Dharma Parlour in the Rings Field) as well as meetings in other spaces - Women's Space, Men's Space, People of Colour Space and Queer Space. We are also hosting meetings for young people 21 and under in the Environmental Temple every day of the Festival. See the programme which is downloadable.

RecoverySpaceTimetable2024.pdf

Introduction to Buddhist Recovery

Buddhist Recovery is an approach to addiction recovery that integrates Buddhist principles and practices with traditional recovery methods. Unlike conventional recovery programs that may rely heavily on theistic frameworks, Buddhist Recovery emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living as pathways to healing.

Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, this approach focuses on understanding the nature of suffering (dukkha), the causes of craving (tanha), and the path to liberation (nirvana). Practitioners of Buddhist Recovery work to develop awareness and compassion, applying the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to overcome addictive behaviors and cultivate a balanced, mindful life.

Buddhist Recovery groups provide a supportive community where individuals can share their experiences, learn from one another, and deepen their practice of mindfulness and meditation. These groups often incorporate elements from both secular and traditional Buddhist teachings, creating a diverse and inclusive environment for recovery.

Refuge Recovery

Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from addiction. It utilizes mindfulness, compassion, and community support, incorporating meditation and ethical living as central practices. The program is based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, providing a comprehensive framework for recovery.

Website: Refuge Recovery

Eight Step Recovery

Eight Step Recovery is based on the book "Eight Step Recovery: Using the Buddha's Teachings to Overcome Addiction" by Valerie Mason-John and Dr. Paramabandhu Groves. This program adapts the Eightfold Path of Buddhism into practical steps to help individuals overcome addiction and maintain sobriety.

Website: Eight Step Recovery

Recovery Dharma

Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement that uses Buddhist practices and principles to aid in the recovery process. It emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and community support, encouraging individuals to work through their recovery using the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Website: Recovery Dharma

Heart of Recovery

Heart of Recovery programs blend Buddhism and recovery practices, offering support through meditation, group discussions, and the integration of Buddhist teachings into the recovery journey. These programs are often found in Shambhala and other Buddhist centers, providing a supportive environment for those in recovery.

Website: Shambhala Heart of Recovery

Buddhist Recovery Network

The Buddhist Recovery Network supports the use of Buddhist teachings and practices to help individuals recover from the suffering caused by addictive behaviors. It offers resources, meeting information, and support for those integrating Buddhism into their recovery process. The network also aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among different Buddhist recovery programs.

Website: Buddhist Recovery Network

Introduction to 12 Step Fellowships

12 Step fellowships in the UK form a crucial support network for individuals seeking recovery from various addictions and compulsive behaviors. Rooted in the principles established by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s, these fellowships have grown to encompass a wide range of issues, from substance dependencies to behavioral compulsions.

The foundation of the 12 Step program traces back to 1935 in Akron, Ohio, when Bill Wilson, a stockbroker, and Dr. Bob Smith, a physician, both recovering alcoholics, co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous. They developed a set of guiding principles to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety through mutual support, spiritual growth, and personal accountability. These principles, encapsulated in the 12 Steps, emphasize admitting powerlessness over addiction, seeking help from a higher power, and making amends for past wrongs.

The success of AA soon inspired the creation of similar groups for other issues. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) was established in 1953 to address drug addiction, and Overeaters Anonymous (OA) emerged in 1960 to support those struggling with food-related compulsions. These fellowships, among others, adopted the core 12 Step philosophy while tailoring their approaches to specific addictions and behaviors.

In the UK, the 12 Step movement began to take root in the 1940s and 1950s. The first AA meeting in London took place in 1947, marking the start of a growing network of support groups. Over the decades, the UK has seen the establishment of various 12 Step fellowships, each providing a community for individuals to share experiences, offer support, and work through the Steps together.

Today, 12 Step fellowships in the UK offer a lifeline to thousands of people. Meetings are held in person and online, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The fellowships operate on the principles of anonymity, mutual aid, and self-sufficiency, with no dues or fees for membership.

The core 12 step programme can be used to recover from any and all addictions, be they substance, process or behavioural addictions, and to significantly improve mental health.

Following is a list of some of the key 12 Step fellowships available in the UK, each offering a unique focus but united in the goal of recovery and support.